The Cincinnati Reds find themselves in a challenging position as the 2024 baseball season draws to a close. With a standing of 73-77, their playoff dreams have officially been extinguished. Trailing 14 games behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers and only 14 games remaining in the season, it is mathematically impossible for the Reds to catch up.
Last year's performance saw a glimmer of hope as the Reds finished with an 82-80 record. However, this year's decline has been significant enough to place them nine games out of the final playoff spot in the National League wild-card race. SportsLine calculates the Reds' postseason chances at a stark 0.0%, a grim statistic for a team that had hoped to build on the previous season's successes.
Offensive and Injury Struggles
The Reds' offensive performance has been middling at best, ranking eighth in the National League in runs scored and coming in at eleventh in OPS (On Base Plus Slugging). These stats indicate an offense that has struggled to find consistency throughout the season. In addition to their offensive woes, injuries have plagued the team, ranking eighth in MLB for total days lost to the Injury List (IL) and the number of players requiring stints on the IL.
Such challenges have undoubtedly contributed to their less-than-stellar record this season. The consistent rotation of injured players and an offense that fails to produce under pressure have been thorny issues Cincinnati has yet to adequately address.
Managerial Stability Amidst Uncertainty
Manager David Bell has been at the helm since October 2018 and remains signed through 2026. Despite the disappointing season, Bell's position seems secure for now. General Manager Nick Krall commented on the situation, stating, “He’s got a contract for next year. As of right now, we’re going to evaluate everything at the end of the year and see what we have to do to move forward.” This indicates that while Bell's job is currently safe, the organization will be taking a hard look at all aspects of the team's performance once the season concludes.
Krall’s remarks suggest a broader evaluation period where the Reds' management will analyze the season's failures and positives alike. Whether this leads to structural changes or a strategic shift remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead for Cincinnati
As the Reds approach the end of a challenging season, the focus may gradually shift to the 2025 campaign. With Bell’s management spot secure for the near future, the team will undoubtedly look to reassess and reconfigure. However, it won't merely be about who is managing the team but also about player performances, roster changes, and perhaps even shifts in training and medical approaches given their high injury list ranking.
The Cincinnati Reds have work to do and decisions to make. This year’s difficulties have highlighted significant areas for improvement. While it's clear this season won't end with October baseball for the Reds, the impending offseason will offer opportunities for reflection and growth. With a combination of front office evaluations, potential roster changes, and management assessments, the Reds will aim to come back stronger in future seasons.